Dizziness May Occur

"I can't," Rachel said, shaking her head and giving Quinn what she thought of as Rachel Berry fake smile #32. "I have those two shows New Year's Eve and there's a party after. I'll probably stay over."

"If you're sure," Quinn said, not really pushing it. She knew Shelby had invited Rachel up to Stars Hollow every year since moving to the small Connecticut town to celebrate the New Year but she always gave some semi-reasonable excuse that no one could argue with. "I know everyone would be happy to see you."

"I'm sure," Rachel said, her fingers nervously playing with her fork.

Quinn wasn't sure why she was surprised at her refusal. In the months she'd lived with Rachel, she'd never directly mentioned Shelby. And Quinn had seen the envelope with the card Beth picked out for Rachel's last birthday shoved, unopened, in a drawer.

Note: Set in Stars Hollow, and a few Gilmore Girls denizens will be mentioned or wander through later drabbles, but this really isn't a crossover in the strictest sense.